Thelma King Thiel Chairwoman, and Chief Executive Officer

Chairwoman's Message

September 2003

Straight Talk About Hepatitis from HFI
A Special Report from the Hepatitis Foundation International

Never before has it been so important for those who are infected to be well informed to help them participate, along with their healthcare provider, in making decisions about disease management and treatment options. Sorting out the facts about hepatitis is difficult when conflicting information is available from various sources in the media and on the web. The Hepatitis Foundation International is proud to have helped you in your search for answers and guidance.

Hepatitis C is not a death sentence. The majority of individuals infected with hepatitis C will succumb to other causes. Hepatitis C is a very slowly progressing disease that may take as long as 20 or 30 years to develop serious liver problems. An estimated 2% - 4% of people will die as a result of this disease.

Taking care of yourself – and your liver -- are major factors in keeping the virus at bay. All of them are FREE . . .·

• Don’t drink any alcohol – it speeds the damage to the liver.
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Keep a positive attitude
• Do not let this disease take over your life
• Protect your family and others from any contact with your blood because the virus is in your blood
• Learn all you can about the disease
• and call HFI for the names of liver specialists in your area to evaluate your personal needs and to discuss treatment options.

The race is on to develop better, less costly treatments with fewer side effects ---and after effects. Clinical trials are being conducted on several new treatments for both hepatitis B and C with encouraging reports. Information about them can be obtained on the web at www.veritasmedicine.com. Check to see if you are eligible to participate.

The Hepatitis Foundation International is working on the front line for you, encouraging Congress to provide more research funding to find cures. We serve as your advocate, taking your concerns to the decision-makers on Capitol Hill and to government agencies that hold the purse strings. Our quarterly newsletter Hepatitis Alert highlights important advances and issues that can affect you and your recovery. We are here to help you in any way we can.